International student signs for YTWFC Dual Career Academy.

International student signs for YTWFC Dual Career Academy.

An international student has signed for Yeovil Town Women FC’s Dual Career Academy ran in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College (BTC).

Yeovil Women FC are an English women’s football club based in Yeovil, Somerset. Last season they played in the WSL (Women’s Super League), the top tier of English Football.

Samantha Cox, who currently lives in Florida, USA, will join with the club and college in September 2020 from USA based partners, ESSA.

Sam will receive daily sessions in the full-time programme based in Bridgwater. These include all aspects in becoming a professional player at the top level of the women’s game in England. The coaching includes the on-field technical and tactical development but also wellbeing and performance, in an integrated programme around their chosen study programme.

Samantha Cox commented on her excitement on signing for Yeovil WFC, “I am lost for words! I would like to thank everyone at ESSA for helping me become a player that is regarded worthy for such an amazing opportunity”.

The programme, which will enter its third full-time year in September, has been rewarded for its work with a notable mention in the college’s latest OFSTED report as BTC and the club share the same vision in developing first team players that can represent Somerset, the South West and England by increasing the quality of women’s football across the UK.

Head of Performance, Ewan Greenhill said “Our youth development programme has gone from strength to strength this season with many of our youth getting an opportunity to shine under the 1st team manager, Jamie Sherwood. We have always believed in our programme’s ability in developing players, and being able to attract young players of the calibre of Sam is a testament to that. With Yeovil there is a clear, visible path to first team football. Not many other clubs can be as clear and demonstrable with that.”

Adam Murry, YTWFC co-owner and director of ESSA, “This is exactly the reason why ESSA was first formed; to provide talented young soccer players a pathway into the professional game that may not have been achievable for them in the past. I am very pleased that Sam will be the first of many to be rewarded with the next steps to achieve their dreams. They have had and will always have my full support and backing, I know she will make everyone very proud of what she will go on to be and accomplish in her career.

Shaun Brooks DOC of ESSA FC comment Samantha’s desire to improve and work hard in and away from training is commendable. Her composure and understanding alongside her intelligence in game situations have been excellent for ESSA FC this past season. Sam has always been a very polite, respectful young lady that shows much maturity and professionalism in how she handles herself on and off the pitch. ESSA are honoured and privileged to have worked with, supported and provided Sam with the next step in her career”.